Germany launches tender to secure gas availability for early 2027
German natural gas market operator Trading Hub Europe (THE) has launched several tenders to secure gas availability during the first quarter of 2027, amid concerns over low storage filling rates. The tenders seek bids for balancing services for January, February, and March 2027, totaling 14,350 megawatt hours (MWh) per hour for each month, plus additional quantities for February and early March. Offers are due between October 6-20, with results announced October 23. German gas storage sites are currently 56.6% full, their lowest level for this time of year on record.
OSLO, Sept 21 (Reuters) — German natural gas market operator Trading Hub Europe (THE) on Monday launched several tenders to secure sufficient gas availability during the first quarter of 2027, after low storage filling rates have raised winter supply concerns. So-called "Long-Term Options" (LTO) allow THE to secure gas deliveries from traders for potential future use and are a tool to help increase the security of gas supply. 6% full at present, their lowest level for the time of year since records began.
THE said it is seeking bids to provide balancing services for the months January 2027, February 2027 and March 2027 under LTOs covering 14,350 megawatt hours (MWh) per hour for each of the months. This is down slightly from last year's tender, which sought 14,410 MWh/h each month during the first quarter 2026. Further special LTO tenders are seeking an additional 21,300 MWh/h for the period of February 1 to March 1, 2027, and 15,000 MWh/h for March 1 to March 15, 2027. This is in line with quantities sought for February 15 to March 1, and March 1 to 15 this year, the THE website showed.
Offers under the latest tenders can be made from October 6 to October 20, with the results to be announced on October 23, THE said. net)